Mattie Ross is probably the
last person who should be doling out good counsel to anyone on anything. Still
smarting after being left at the altar two years earlier, she is strapped with
debt, has sworn off men, routinely buries herself in her work and despite her
well-proportioned figure, remains haunted by childhood taunts of "Fatty
Mattie." But to her publisher at the Chicago Gazette, and readers, she is
their latest advice columnist, The Plate Spinner, a self-assured working parent
to adorable fake children and multi-tasking savant.

Enter Nick Derosa, the twin
brother of Mattie's cold-footed fiancé who is trying to get back on his feet
after his brother steals his identity and implicates him in an illegal
investment scheme. But thanks to Nick's legendary running career, the publisher
of the Chicago Gazette proposes a wager: If Nick can train an out-of-shape
working parent in time to compete in the Chicago Marathon, he will contribute
enough to help Nick launch his own non-profit running club for kids.

Suddenly "Fatty"
Mattie and Nick are thrust together as the most unlikely of pairs and under a
deadline to put their trust issues aside and avoid another false start in their
lives.

I received a request from Wendy Rich Stetson to listen to
her latest recording. False Start is not my usual type of
book, but since I have loved all the other books that Ms. Stetson has sent me,
I did not hesitate. Wow! I’m so glad I did. Not only did I get to listen to
another excellent narration, False Start is an awesome book!

Mattie Ross is left at the altar with a ton of debt for a
wedding that never happened. She takes a position as an advice columnist at the
Chicago Gazette. She has sworn off men and buries herself in her column, The
Plate-Spinner.

When her publisher decides she needs to run a marathon and
even hires her a personal coach, none other than Nick Derosa, her ex-fiance’s
twin brother, she reluctantly agrees. But, how does an out-of-shape, supposedly
overworked parent become fit for the challenge?

Nick and Mattie are thrown together and work toward a common
goal. Can they unite to achieve that goal, and fall in love along the way?

False Start is fast-paced and kept me enthralled from the first
page until the last. This book is very thought provoking and filled with all
kinds of positive messages wrapped up in a delightfully funny story. False
Start had me rooting for Mattie, hoping she could achieve her
overwhelming goal and even find love along the way.

Mattie’s character is truly inspiring. This was a perfect
book for me to read since I really need to keep active. I was doing great, but
life has a way of throwing in curve balls to interfere. I’m hoping I can use
Mattie’s character as an example to jump start me again. If Mattie can do it, anyone
can make the life-style changes that will improve one’s quality of life. Mattie
is so optimistic and determined, a character to truly admire.

Nick’s character is also inspiring. Even though, he was
dealt a huge blow when he was arrested because his twin assumed his
identification for his criminal activities, he does not let it get him down. He
is determined to succeed with the opportunity given him. While he starts out
helping Mattie because of the money, he truly wants her to achieve her goal and
devotes his time and energy to help her make it happen.

I listened to the narration by Wendy Rich Stetson. She gives
a stellar performance as I have grown to expect. She truly brings the
characters to life. Her ability to give each character their own distinct voice
is astonishing. She is one of the most talented narrators I’ve had the pleasure
of listening to, and I listen to a lot of audio books.

If you are looking for a book that will lift your spirits
and help you find inner-strength, then False Start is the perfect book for
you. I highly recommend this book and the narration by Wendy Rich Stetson.
Happy reading!

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About Me

I'm an avid reader of Historical Romance and a true romantic at heart. I also read and review in other sub-genres as well. I have recently started writing and have written 6 novels and I'm working on my 7th and I just started seriously writing in June 2010. I love to discuss reading and writing, and I'm happiest curled up in my chair with a good book and a cup of coffee!